1
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Vestal KA, Kattamuri C, Koyiloth M, Ongaro L, Howard JA, Deaton AM, Ticau S, Dubey A, Bernard DJ, Thompson TB. Activin E is a transforming growth factor β ligand that signals specifically through activin receptor-like kinase 7. Biochem J 2024; 481:547-564. [PMID: 38533769 PMCID: PMC11088876 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20230404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Activins are one of the three distinct subclasses within the greater Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) superfamily. First discovered for their critical roles in reproductive biology, activins have since been shown to alter cellular differentiation and proliferation. At present, members of the activin subclass include activin A (ActA), ActB, ActC, ActE, and the more distant members myostatin and GDF11. While the biological roles and signaling mechanisms of most activins class members have been well-studied, the signaling potential of ActE has remained largely unknown. Here, we characterized the signaling capacity of homodimeric ActE. Molecular modeling of the ligand:receptor complexes showed that ActC and ActE shared high similarity in both the type I and type II receptor binding epitopes. ActE signaled specifically through ALK7, utilized the canonical activin type II receptors, ActRIIA and ActRIIB, and was resistant to the extracellular antagonists follistatin and WFIKKN. In mature murine adipocytes, ActE invoked a SMAD2/3 response via ALK7, like ActC. Collectively, our results establish ActE as a specific signaling ligand which activates the type I receptor, ALK7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kylie A. Vestal
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, U.S.A
| | - Chandramohan Kattamuri
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, U.S.A
| | - Muhasin Koyiloth
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, U.S.A
| | - Luisina Ongaro
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Centre for Research in Reproduction and Development, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - James A. Howard
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, U.S.A
| | | | | | - Aditi Dubey
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, MA, U.S.A
| | - Daniel J. Bernard
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Centre for Research in Reproduction and Development, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Thomas B. Thompson
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, U.S.A
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2
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Kentistou KA, Lim BEM, Kaisinger LR, Steinthorsdottir V, Sharp LN, Patel KA, Tragante V, Hawkes G, Gardner EJ, Olafsdottir T, Wood AR, Zhao Y, Thorleifsson G, Day FR, Ozanne SE, Hattersley AT, O'Rahilly S, Stefansson K, Ong KK, Beaumont RN, Perry JRB, Freathy RM. Rare variant associations with birth weight identify genes involved in adipose tissue regulation, placental function and insulin-like growth factor signalling. medRxiv 2024:2024.04.03.24305248. [PMID: 38633783 PMCID: PMC11023655 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.03.24305248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Investigating the genetic factors influencing human birth weight may lead to biological insights into fetal growth and long-term health. Genome-wide association studies of birth weight have highlighted associated variants in more than 200 regions of the genome, but the causal genes are mostly unknown. Rare genetic variants with robust evidence of association are more likely to point to causal genes, but to date, only a few rare variants are known to influence birth weight. We aimed to identify genes that harbour rare variants that impact birth weight when carried by either the fetus or the mother, by analysing whole exome sequence data in UK Biobank participants. We annotated rare (minor allele frequency <0.1%) protein-truncating or high impact missense variants on whole exome sequence data in up to 234,675 participants with data on their own birth weight (fetal variants), and up to 181,883 mothers who reported the birth weight of their first child (maternal variants). Variants within each gene were collapsed to perform gene burden tests and for each associated gene, we compared the observed fetal and maternal effects. We identified 8 genes with evidence of rare fetal variant effects on birth weight, of which 2 also showed maternal effects. One additional gene showed evidence of maternal effects only. We observed 10/11 directionally concordant associations in an independent sample of up to 45,622 individuals (sign test P=0.01). Of the genes identified, IGF1R and PAPPA2 (fetal and maternal-acting) have known roles in insulin-like growth factor bioavailability and signalling. PPARG, INHBE and ACVR1C (all fetal-acting) have known roles in adipose tissue regulation and rare variants in the latter two also showed associations with favourable adiposity patterns in adults. We highlight the dual role of PPARG in both adipocyte differentiation and placental angiogenesis. NOS3, NRK, and ADAMTS8 (fetal and maternal-acting) have been implicated in both placental function and hypertension. Analysis of rare coding variants has identified regulators of fetal adipose tissue and fetoplacental angiogenesis as determinants of birth weight, as well as further evidence for the role of insulin-like growth factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A Kentistou
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Box 285 Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Brandon E M Lim
- Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Lena R Kaisinger
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Box 285 Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | | | - Luke N Sharp
- Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Kashyap A Patel
- Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | | | - Gareth Hawkes
- Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Eugene J Gardner
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Box 285 Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | | | - Andrew R Wood
- Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Yajie Zhao
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Box 285 Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | | | - Felix R Day
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Box 285 Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Susan E Ozanne
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Andrew T Hattersley
- Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Stephen O'Rahilly
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Kari Stefansson
- deCODE genetics/Amgen, Inc., 102 Reykjavik, Iceland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Ken K Ong
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Box 285 Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Robin N Beaumont
- Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - John R B Perry
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Box 285 Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Rachel M Freathy
- Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
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Liu L, Wang W, Liu W, Li X, Yi G, Adetula AA, Huang H, Tang Z. Comprehensive Atlas of Alternative Splicing Reveals NSRP1 Promoting Adipogenesis through CCDC18. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2874. [PMID: 38474122 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing (AS) plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression, function, and diversity. However, limited reports exist on the identification and comparison of AS in Eastern and Western pigs. Here, we analyzed 243 transcriptome data from eight tissues, integrating information on transcription factors (TFs), selection signals, splicing factors (SFs), and quantitative trait loci (QTL) to comprehensively study alternative splicing events (ASEs) in pigs. Five ASE types were identified, with Mutually Exclusive Exon (MXE) and Skipped Exon (SE) ASEs being the most prevalent. A significant portion of genes with ASEs (ASGs) showed conservation across all eight tissues (63.21-76.13% per tissue). Differentially alternative splicing genes (DASGs) and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) exhibited tissue specificity, with blood and adipose tissues having more DASGs. Functional enrichment analysis revealed coDASG_DEGs in adipose were enriched in pathways associated with adipose deposition and immune inflammation, while coDASG_DEGs in blood were enriched in pathways related to immune inflammation and metabolism. Adipose deposition in Eastern pigs might be linked to the down-regulation of immune-inflammation-related pathways and reduced insulin resistance. The TFs, selection signals, and SFs appeared to regulate ASEs. Notably, ARID4A (TF), NSRP1 (SF), ANKRD12, IFT74, KIAA2026, CCDC18, NEXN, PPIG, and ROCK1 genes in adipose tissue showed potential regulatory effects on adipose-deposition traits. NSRP1 could promote adipogenesis by regulating alternative splicing and expression of CCDC18. Conducting an in-depth investigation into AS, this study has successfully identified key marker genes essential for pig genetic breeding and the enhancement of meat quality, which will play important roles in promoting the diversity of pork quality and meeting market demand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics of MARA, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics of MARA, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China
| | - Weiwei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics of MARA, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China
| | - Xingzheng Li
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics of MARA, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China
| | - Guoqiang Yi
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics of MARA, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China
- Kunpeng Institute of Modern Agriculture at Foshan, Agricultural Genomics Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Foshan 528226, China
| | - Adeyinka Abiola Adetula
- Reproductive Biotechnology, Department of Molecular Life Sciences, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Haibo Huang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics of MARA, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China
| | - Zhonglin Tang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics of MARA, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China
- Kunpeng Institute of Modern Agriculture at Foshan, Agricultural Genomics Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Foshan 528226, China
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4
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Rowley AM, Yao G, Andrews L, Bedermann A, Biddulph R, Bingham R, Brady JJ, Buxton R, Cecconie T, Cooper R, Csakai A, Gao EN, Grenier-Davies MC, Lawler M, Lian Y, Macina J, Macphee C, Marcaurelle L, Martin J, McCormick P, Pindoria R, Rauch M, Rocque W, Shen Y, Shewchuk LM, Squire M, Stebbeds W, Tear W, Wang X, Ward P, Xiao S. Discovery and SAR Study of Boronic Acid-Based Selective PDE3B Inhibitors from a Novel DNA-Encoded Library. J Med Chem 2024; 67:2049-2065. [PMID: 38284310 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Human genetic evidence shows that PDE3B is associated with metabolic and dyslipidemia phenotypes. A number of PDE3 family selective inhibitors have been approved by the FDA for various indications; however, given the undesirable proarrhythmic effects in the heart, selectivity for PDE3B inhibition over closely related family members (such as PDE3A; 48% identity) is a critical consideration for development of PDE3B therapeutics. Selectivity for PDE3B over PDE3A may be achieved in a variety of ways, including properties intrinsic to the compound or tissue-selective targeting. The high (>95%) active site homology between PDE3A and B represents a massive obstacle for obtaining selectivity at the active site; however, utilization of libraries with high molecular diversity in high throughput screens may uncover selective chemical matter. Herein, we employed a DNA-encoded library screen to identify PDE3B-selective inhibitors and identified potent and selective boronic acid compounds bound at the active site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann M Rowley
- GSK, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426, United States
| | - Gang Yao
- GSK, Encoded Library Technologies, NCE Molecular Discovery, 200 Cambridge Park Drive, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02140, United States
| | - Logan Andrews
- 23andMe Inc, Therapeutics, 349 Oyster Point Boulevard, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Aaron Bedermann
- GSK, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426, United States
| | - Ross Biddulph
- GSK Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage SG1 2NY, Hertfordshire, U.K
| | - Ryan Bingham
- GSK Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage SG1 2NY, Hertfordshire, U.K
| | - Jennifer J Brady
- 23andMe Inc, Therapeutics, 349 Oyster Point Boulevard, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Rachel Buxton
- GSK Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage SG1 2NY, Hertfordshire, U.K
| | - Ted Cecconie
- GSK, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426, United States
| | - Rona Cooper
- GSK, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426, United States
| | - Adam Csakai
- GSK, Encoded Library Technologies, NCE Molecular Discovery, 200 Cambridge Park Drive, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02140, United States
| | - Enoch N Gao
- GSK, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426, United States
| | - Melissa C Grenier-Davies
- GSK, Encoded Library Technologies, NCE Molecular Discovery, 200 Cambridge Park Drive, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02140, United States
| | - Meghan Lawler
- GSK, Encoded Library Technologies, NCE Molecular Discovery, 200 Cambridge Park Drive, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02140, United States
| | - Yiqian Lian
- GSK, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426, United States
| | - Justyna Macina
- GSK Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage SG1 2NY, Hertfordshire, U.K
| | - Colin Macphee
- GSK Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage SG1 2NY, Hertfordshire, U.K
| | - Lisa Marcaurelle
- GSK, Encoded Library Technologies, NCE Molecular Discovery, 200 Cambridge Park Drive, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02140, United States
| | - John Martin
- GSK, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426, United States
| | - Patricia McCormick
- GSK, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426, United States
| | - Rekha Pindoria
- GSK Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage SG1 2NY, Hertfordshire, U.K
| | - Martin Rauch
- GSK, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426, United States
| | - Warren Rocque
- GSK, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426, United States
| | - Yingnian Shen
- GSK, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426, United States
| | - Lisa M Shewchuk
- GSK, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426, United States
| | - Michael Squire
- GSK, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426, United States
| | - Will Stebbeds
- GSK Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage SG1 2NY, Hertfordshire, U.K
| | - Westley Tear
- GSK, Encoded Library Technologies, NCE Molecular Discovery, 200 Cambridge Park Drive, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02140, United States
| | - Xin Wang
- 23andMe Inc, Therapeutics, 349 Oyster Point Boulevard, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Paris Ward
- GSK, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426, United States
| | - Shouhua Xiao
- 23andMe Inc, Therapeutics, 349 Oyster Point Boulevard, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
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5
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Cao J, Zhong Q, Huang Y, Zhu M, Wang Z, Xiong Z. Identification and validation of INHBE and P4HA1 as hub genes in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 686:149180. [PMID: 37922570 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.149180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is currently the most prevalent type of liver disease and a worldwide disease threatening human health. This study aims to identify the novel diagnostic biomarkers of NAFLD by comprehensive bioinformatics and machine learning, and to validate our results in hepatocyte and animal models. METHODS We used Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases on NAFLD patients for differential gene expression analyses. Intersections were taken with genes from the key modules of WGCNA and differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Machine learning algorithms like LASSO regression analysis, SVM-RFE, and RandomForest were used to screen hub genes. In addition, a nomogram model and calibration curves were built in order to forecast the probability of NAFLD occurrence. Then, the relationship between hub genes and immune cells was verified using Spearman analysis. Finally, we further verified the expression of key genes by constructing a steatosis hepatocyte model and animal model. RESULTS Key genes (INHBE and P4HA1) were identified by comprehensive bioinformatics analysis and machine learning. INHBE and P4HA1 were up-regulated and down-regulated in the steatosis hepatocyte model, respectively. Animal experiments also showed that INHBE was up-regulated in the liver of mice fed with high fat diet (HFD). CONCLUSION INHBE and P4HA1 are the hub genes of NAFLD. Our findings may contribute to a greater understanding of the occurrence and development of NAFLD and provide potential biomarkers and possible therapeutic targets for future clinical diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiali Cao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430077, China
| | - Qiangqiang Zhong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430077, China
| | - Yumei Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430077, China
| | - Mengpei Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430077, China
| | - Ziwen Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430077, China
| | - Zhifan Xiong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430077, China.
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6
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Nguyen NH, Sarangi S, McChesney EM, Sheng S, Durrant JD, Porter AW, Kleyman TR, Pitluk ZW, Brodsky JL. Genome mining yields putative disease-associated ROMK variants with distinct defects. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1011051. [PMID: 37956218 PMCID: PMC10695394 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Bartter syndrome is a group of rare genetic disorders that compromise kidney function by impairing electrolyte reabsorption. Left untreated, the resulting hyponatremia, hypokalemia, and dehydration can be fatal, and there is currently no cure. Bartter syndrome type II specifically arises from mutations in KCNJ1, which encodes the renal outer medullary potassium channel, ROMK. Over 40 Bartter syndrome-associated mutations in KCNJ1 have been identified, yet their molecular defects are mostly uncharacterized. Nevertheless, a subset of disease-linked mutations compromise ROMK folding in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), which in turn results in premature degradation via the ER associated degradation (ERAD) pathway. To identify uncharacterized human variants that might similarly lead to premature degradation and thus disease, we mined three genomic databases. First, phenotypic data in the UK Biobank were analyzed using a recently developed computational platform to identify individuals carrying KCNJ1 variants with clinical features consistent with Bartter syndrome type II. In parallel, we examined genomic data in both the NIH TOPMed and ClinVar databases with the aid of Rhapsody, a verified computational algorithm that predicts mutation pathogenicity and disease severity. Subsequent phenotypic studies using a yeast screen to assess ROMK function-and analyses of ROMK biogenesis in yeast and human cells-identified four previously uncharacterized mutations. Among these, one mutation uncovered from the two parallel approaches (G228E) destabilized ROMK and targeted it for ERAD, resulting in reduced cell surface expression. Another mutation (T300R) was ERAD-resistant, but defects in channel activity were apparent based on two-electrode voltage clamp measurements in X. laevis oocytes. Together, our results outline a new computational and experimental pipeline that can be applied to identify disease-associated alleles linked to a range of other potassium channels, and further our understanding of the ROMK structure-function relationship that may aid future therapeutic strategies to advance precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nga H. Nguyen
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Srikant Sarangi
- Paradigm4, Inc., Waltham, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Erin M. McChesney
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Shaohu Sheng
- Renal-Electrolyte Division, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Jacob D. Durrant
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Aidan W. Porter
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Thomas R. Kleyman
- Renal-Electrolyte Division, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | | | - Jeffrey L. Brodsky
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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7
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Vestal KA, Kattamuri C, Koyiloth M, Ongaro L, Howard JA, Deaton A, Ticau S, Dubey A, Bernard DJ, Thompson TB. Activin E is a TGFβ ligand that signals specifically through activin receptor-like kinase 7. bioRxiv 2023:2023.09.25.559288. [PMID: 37808681 PMCID: PMC10557571 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.25.559288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Activins are one of the three distinct subclasses within the greater Transforming Growth Factor β (TGFβ) superfamily. First discovered for their critical roles in reproductive biology, activins have since been shown to alter cellular differentiation and proliferation. At present, members of the activin subclass include activin A (ActA), ActB, ActC, ActE, and the more distant members myostatin and GDF11. While the biological roles and signaling mechanisms of most activins class members have been well-studied, the signaling potential of ActE has remained largely unknown. Here, we characterized the signaling capacity of homodimeric ActE. Molecular modeling of the ligand:receptor complexes showed that ActC and ActE shared high similarity in both the type I and type II receptor binding epitopes. ActE signaled specifically through ALK7, utilized the canonical activin type II receptors, ActRIIA and ActRIIB, and was resistant to the extracellular antagonists follistatin and WFIKKN. In mature murine adipocytes, ActE invoked a SMAD2/3 response via ALK7, similar to ActC. Collectively, our results establish ActE as an ALK7 ligand, thereby providing a link between genetic and in vivo studies of ActE as a regulator of adipose tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kylie A Vestal
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Chandramohan Kattamuri
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Muhasin Koyiloth
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Luisina Ongaro
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Centre for Research in Reproduction and Development, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - James A Howard
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | | | | | | | - Daniel J Bernard
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Centre for Research in Reproduction and Development, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Thomas B Thompson
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
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8
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Zheng M, Hakim A, Konkwo C, Deaton AM, Ward LD, Silveira MG, Assis DN, Liapakis A, Jaffe A, Jiang ZG, Curry MP, Lai M, Cho MH, Dykas D, Bale A, Mistry PK, Vilarinho S. Advancing diagnosis and management of liver disease in adults through exome sequencing. EBioMedicine 2023; 95:104747. [PMID: 37566928 PMCID: PMC10433007 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whole-exome sequencing (WES) is an effective tool for diagnosis in patients who remain undiagnosed despite a comprehensive clinical work-up. While WES is being used increasingly in pediatrics and oncology, it remains underutilized in non-oncological adult medicine, including in patients with liver disease, in part based on the faulty premise that adults are unlikely to harbor rare genetic variants with large effect size. Here, we aim to assess the burden of rare genetic variants underlying liver disease in adults at two major tertiary referral academic medical centers. METHODS WES analysis paired with comprehensive clinical evaluation was performed in fifty-two adult patients with liver disease of unknown etiology evaluated at two US tertiary academic health care centers. FINDINGS Exome analysis uncovered a definitive or presumed diagnosis in 33% of patients (17/52) providing insight into their disease pathogenesis, with most of these patients (12/17) not having a known family history of liver disease. Our data shows that over two-thirds of undiagnosed liver disease patients attaining a genetic diagnosis were being evaluated for cholestasis or hepatic steatosis of unknown etiology. INTERPRETATION This study reveals an underappreciated incidence and spectrum of genetic diseases presenting in adulthood and underscores the clinical value of incorporating exome sequencing in the evaluation and management of adults with liver disease of unknown etiology. FUNDING S.V. is supported by the NIH/NIDDK (K08 DK113109 and R01 DK131033-01A1) and the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation Grant #2019081. This work was supported in part by NIH-funded Yale Liver Center, P30 DK34989.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Zheng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Aaron Hakim
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA; Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Chigoziri Konkwo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | | | - Marina G Silveira
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - David N Assis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - AnnMarie Liapakis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ariel Jaffe
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Z Gordon Jiang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael P Curry
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michelle Lai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael H Cho
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniel Dykas
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Allen Bale
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Pramod K Mistry
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Silvia Vilarinho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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9
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Kaisinger LR, Kentistou KA, Stankovic S, Gardner EJ, Day FR, Zhao Y, Mörseburg A, Carnie CJ, Zagnoli-Vieira G, Puddu F, Jackson SP, O’Rahilly S, Farooqi IS, Dearden L, Pantaleão LC, Ozanne SE, Ong KK, Perry JR. Large-scale exome sequence analysis identifies sex- and age-specific determinants of obesity. Cell Genom 2023; 3:100362. [PMID: 37601970 PMCID: PMC10435378 DOI: 10.1016/j.xgen.2023.100362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Obesity contributes substantially to the global burden of disease and has a significant heritable component. Recent large-scale exome sequencing studies identified several genes in which rare, protein-coding variants have large effects on adult body mass index (BMI). Here we extended such work by performing sex-stratified associations in the UK Biobank study (N∼420,000). We identified genes in which rare heterozygous loss-of-function increases adult BMI in women (DIDO1, PTPRG, and SLC12A5) and in men (SLTM), with effect sizes up to ∼8 kg/m2. This is complemented by analyses implicating rare variants in OBSCN and MADD for recalled childhood adiposity. The known functions of these genes, as well as findings of common variant genome-wide pathway enrichment analyses, suggest a role for neuron death, apoptosis, and DNA damage response mechanisms in the susceptibility to obesity across the life-course. These findings highlight the importance of considering sex-specific and life-course effects in the genetic regulation of obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena R. Kaisinger
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Katherine A. Kentistou
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Stasa Stankovic
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Eugene J. Gardner
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Felix R. Day
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Yajie Zhao
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Alexander Mörseburg
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Christopher J. Carnie
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Building, University of Cambridge, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Guido Zagnoli-Vieira
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Fabio Puddu
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Stephen P. Jackson
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Building, University of Cambridge, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Stephen O’Rahilly
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - I. Sadaf Farooqi
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Laura Dearden
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Lucas C. Pantaleão
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Susan E. Ozanne
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Ken K. Ong
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - John R.B. Perry
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
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10
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Adam RC, Pryce DS, Lee JS, Zhao Y, Mintah IJ, Min S, Halasz G, Mastaitis J, Atwal GS, Aykul S, Idone V, Economides AN, Lotta LA, Murphy AJ, Yancopoulos GD, Sleeman MW, Gusarova V. Activin E-ACVR1C cross talk controls energy storage via suppression of adipose lipolysis in mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2309967120. [PMID: 37523551 PMCID: PMC10410708 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2309967120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Body fat distribution is a heritable risk factor for cardiovascular and metabolic disease. In humans, rare Inhibin beta E (INHBE, activin E) loss-of-function variants are associated with a lower waist-to-hip ratio and protection from type 2 diabetes. Hepatic fatty acid sensing promotes INHBE expression during fasting and in obese individuals, yet it is unclear how the hepatokine activin E governs body shape and energy metabolism. Here, we uncover activin E as a regulator of adipose energy storage. By suppressing β-agonist-induced lipolysis, activin E promotes fat accumulation and adipocyte hypertrophy and contributes to adipose dysfunction in mice. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that activin E elicits its effect on adipose tissue through ACVR1C, activating SMAD2/3 signaling and suppressing PPARG target genes. Conversely, loss of activin E or ACVR1C in mice increases fat utilization, lowers adiposity, and drives PPARG-regulated gene signatures indicative of healthy adipose function. Our studies identify activin E-ACVR1C as a metabolic rheostat promoting liver-adipose cross talk to restrain excessive fat breakdown and preserve fat mass during prolonged fasting, a mechanism that is maladaptive in obese individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yuanqi Zhao
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY10591
| | | | - Soo Min
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY10591
| | | | | | | | - Senem Aykul
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY10591
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11
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Hamang M, Yaden B, Dai G. Gastrointestinal pharmacology activins in liver health and disease. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 214:115668. [PMID: 37364623 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Activins are a subgroup of the TGFβ superfamily of growth and differentiation factors, dimeric in nature and consisting of two inhibin beta subunits linked via a disulfide bridge. Canonical activin signaling occurs through Smad2/3, with negative feedback initiated by Smad6/7 following signal transduction, which binds activin type I receptor preventing phosphorylation of Smad2/3 and activation of downstream signaling. In addition to Smad6/7, other inhibitors of activin signaling have been identified as well, including inhibins (dimers of an inhibin alpha and beta subunit), BAMBI, Cripto, follistatin, and follistatin-like 3 (fstl3). To date, activins A, B, AB, C, and E have been identified and isolated in mammals, with activin A and B having the most characterization of biological activity. Activin A has been implicated as a regulator of several important functions of liver biology, including hepatocyte proliferation and apoptosis, ECM production, and liver regeneration; the role of other subunits of activin in liver physiology are less understood. There is mounting data to suggest a link between dysregulation of activins contributing to various hepatic diseases such as inflammation, fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma, and emerging studies demonstrating the protective and regenerative effects of inhibiting activins in mouse models of liver disease. Due to their importance in liver biology, activins demonstrate utility as a therapeutic target for the treatment of hepatic diseases such as cirrhosis, NASH, NAFLD, and HCC; further research regarding activins may provide diagnostic or therapeutic opportunity for those suffering from various liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Hamang
- Department of Biology, School of Science, Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis, IN, United States.
| | - Benjamin Yaden
- Department of Biology, School of Science, Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis, IN, United States.
| | - Guoli Dai
- Department of Biology, School of Science, Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis, IN, United States.
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12
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Nguyen NH, Sarangi S, McChesney EM, Sheng S, Porter AW, Kleyman TR, Pitluk ZW, Brodsky JL. Genome mining yields new disease-associated ROMK variants with distinct defects. bioRxiv 2023:2023.05.05.539609. [PMID: 37214976 PMCID: PMC10197530 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.05.539609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Bartter syndrome is a group of rare genetic disorders that compromise kidney function by impairing electrolyte reabsorption. Left untreated, the resulting hyponatremia, hypokalemia, and dehydration can be fatal. Although there is no cure for this disease, specific genes that lead to different Bartter syndrome subtypes have been identified. Bartter syndrome type II specifically arises from mutations in the KCNJ1 gene, which encodes the renal outer medullary potassium channel, ROMK. To date, over 40 Bartter syndrome-associated mutations in KCNJ1 have been identified. Yet, their molecular defects are mostly uncharacterized. Nevertheless, a subset of disease-linked mutations compromise ROMK folding in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), which in turn results in premature degradation via the ER associated degradation (ERAD) pathway. To identify uncharacterized human variants that might similarly lead to premature degradation and thus disease, we mined three genomic databases. First, phenotypic data in the UK Biobank were analyzed using a recently developed computational platform to identify individuals carrying KCNJ1 variants with clinical features consistent with Bartter syndrome type II. In parallel, we examined ROMK genomic data in both the NIH TOPMed and ClinVar databases with the aid of a computational algorithm that predicts protein misfolding and disease severity. Subsequent phenotypic studies using a high throughput yeast screen to assess ROMK function-and analyses of ROMK biogenesis in yeast and human cells-identified four previously uncharacterized mutations. Among these, one mutation uncovered from the two parallel approaches (G228E) destabilized ROMK and targeted it for ERAD, resulting in reduced protein expression at the cell surface. Another ERAD-targeted ROMK mutant (L320P) was found in only one of the screens. In contrast, another mutation (T300R) was ERAD-resistant, but defects in ROMK activity were apparent after expression and two-electrode voltage clamp measurements in Xenopus oocytes. Together, our results outline a new computational and experimental pipeline that can be applied to identify disease-associated alleles linked to a range of other potassium channels, and further our understanding of the ROMK structure-function relationship that may aid future therapeutic strategies. Author Summary Bartter syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by defective renal electrolyte handing, leading to debilitating symptoms and, in some patients, death in infancy. Currently, there is no cure for this disease. Bartter syndrome is divided into five types based on the causative gene. Bartter syndrome type II results from genetic variants in the gene encoding the ROMK protein, which is expressed in the kidney and assists in regulating sodium, potassium, and water homeostasis. Prior work established that some disease-associated ROMK mutants misfold and are destroyed soon after their synthesis in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Because a growing number of drugs have been identified that correct defective protein folding, we wished to identify an expanded cohort of similarly misshapen and unstable disease-associated ROMK variants. To this end, we developed a pipeline that employs computational analyses of human genome databases with genetic and biochemical assays. Next, we both confirmed the identity of known variants and uncovered previously uncharacterized ROMK variants associated with Bartter syndrome type II. Further analyses indicated that select mutants are targeted for ER-associated degradation, while another mutant compromises ROMK function. This work sets-the-stage for continued mining for ROMK loss of function alleles as well as other potassium channels, and positions select Bartter syndrome mutations for correction using emerging pharmaceuticals.
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13
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Boulet N, Briot A, Galitzky J, Bouloumié A. The Sexual Dimorphism of Human Adipose Depots. Biomedicines 2022; 10:2615. [PMID: 36289874 PMCID: PMC9599294 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 08/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The amount and the distribution of body fat exhibit trajectories that are sex- and human species-specific and both are determinants for health. The enhanced accumulation of fat in the truncal part of the body as a risk factor for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases is well supported by epidemiological studies. In addition, a possible independent protective role of the gluteofemoral fat compartment and of the brown adipose tissue is emerging. The present narrative review summarizes the current knowledge on sexual dimorphism in fat depot amount and repartition and consequences on cardiometabolic and reproductive health. The drivers of the sex differences and fat depot repartition, considered to be the results of complex interactions between sex determination pathways determined by the sex chromosome composition, genetic variability, sex hormones and the environment, are discussed. Finally, the inter- and intra-depot heterogeneity in adipocytes and progenitors, emphasized recently by unbiased large-scale approaches, is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Anne Bouloumié
- Inserm, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 1297, Team 1, Institut des Maladies Métaboliques et Cardiovasculaires (I2MC), Université de Toulouse, F-31432 Toulouse, France
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